Book Shelf: Sizzling Summer Reads

Welcome to summer! Finally, the long, dark, grey days are gone, taking with them their heavy meals and winter produce. Between reading dog-eared thrillers on expansive sandy beaches, food revelers finally have the ability to stroll through farmers’ markets, feast on the fresh produce of the season, fire up the grill, and pour some long-overdue margaritas. To help you get into the spirit of the season, here’s our roundup of the best summer food books, from grilling to tequila, and everything in between.

The Grilling Book: The Definitive Guide from Bon Appetit

Edited by Adam Rapoport

Summer is all about grilling. The sun is shining, the sky is clear, and the days are long. But lets face it, firing up the grill can be intimidating: Lighter fuel? Gas? Fire? Relax. Grilling is fun and delicious, and now with this guide from Bon Appetit, it can be a little easier too. The book, a massive but beautiful compilation of more than 350 recipes, is indeed the definitive guide to all things grilling. From start to finish, the book guides readers on everything it takes to dish out succulent dishes: from what equipment is needed, to what to grill, where and how. Including diagrams, variations on recipes, and tips and tricks nestled within every page, The Grilling Book's recipes are neatly organized under their main ingredients (chicken, beef, lamb, etc.) with a few bonus sections of sides, salads, and drinks and the book contains a handy metric conversion chart. With this guide by your side, you’ll be grill master Labor Day.

Ultimate Nachos: From Nachos and Guacamole to Salsas and Cocktails

By: Lee Frank and Rachel Anderson

A comfort food, a guilty pleasure, nachos are a summer food staple. Present at every party, picnic, and happy hour, everyone loves nachos. But with their book, Frank and Anderson work to reinvent the nacho and elevate from gooey to gourmet. Inspired by classic comfort foods and international flavors, the duo came up with more than 80 new recipes, all paying homage to their favorite snack. The books is divided into 9 chapters with fun photos, cute tips, and easy to follow instructions. One look and we’re already reaching for the chips.

Next, we go down The Adobo Road and The Patrón Way and stop for tequila…

Viva Tequila!: Cocktails, Cooking, and Other Agave Adventures

By: Lucinda Hutson

The book begins with tour of the history and culture of spirits made from maguey, pulque, mescal, and tequila. Hurston then follows tequila from start to finish: from the fields of blue agave to family-owned and internationally operated distilleries to the market shelves. Including tips and tricks for how to stock your bar, discover new tequilas, and of course, how to share the love by hosting your own tequila tasting party, Viva Tequila ends with an extensive collection of tequila cocktail recipes that range from margaritas to punch to after dinner drinks, as well as recipes that use agave spirits — from snacks to small bites to desserts. With gorgeous color photos and clear, concise writing, Viva Tequila, indeed.

The Adobo Road Cookbook: A Filipino Food Journey-From Food Blog, to Food Truck, and Beyond [Filipino Cookbook, 99 Recipes]

By: Marvin Gapultos

This book is a heart-warming tale of a food blogger and food truck owner who found his way home through the foods of his youth. After a quick intro on useful tools, stocking your pantry, and the basics of cooking, Gapultos gets to the good stuff: the recipes. A mix of Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, and American flavors, the recipes reflect Gapultos' childhood, where eating was truly a mixed pot. Split into seven chapters, the book is easy to ready, includes clear instructions and photos, and is most of all, delicious. So, when is your adobo themed BBQ?

The Patron Way: From Fantasy to Fortune – Lessons on Taking Any Business From Idea to Iconic Brand

By: Illana Edelstein

Have a big idea? Have a million dollar idea? This book is for you. The Patrón Way details how Patrón's cofounder, Martin Crowley, and his life partner, Ilana Edelstein, transformed the tequila industry with brilliant marketing that skyrocketed the brand into the cushy position of the world’s leading premium tequila. Today, Patrón is a billion dollar brand and this book tells the story of the company’s rise, including business lessons on research and development, marketing, and brand development and management. Pour yourself a glass and start reading.